My wife, Lesley, and I love to travel when we get the chance. Two years ago, we took a vacation to the beautiful Island of O'ahu (Hawaii) and stayed in the city of Honolulu. We relaxed on the beach, toured some of the scenic areas and also attended the Kauluwela Mission Corps during our first Sunday there and received a great welcome. We met many great people over the two week period.

Going to such a place as this brings with it many choices of what to do. Within hours of our arrival, we heard many people talking about their hike to the summit of Diamond Head Crater. Diamond Head is the most famous volcanic crater in the world located on the south-east coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit that boasts one of the most beautiful aerial views of Honolulu.

During our first week, we decided we wouldn't attempt the climb because we felt that it would be too difficult. But after careful deliberation, we decided in the second week to go for it. We arrived at the base of the mountain with anxious expectations and a tinge of fear. During the first few minutes, things appeared to be relatively easy. However, as we trekked on towards the summit, we met people with sweating, red faces walking towards us in the opposite direction that had supposedly just completed the journey and were now on their way back to the base. We talked with one lady who told us she couldn't complete it because it was just too much for her.

At that point Lesley and I began to feel that maybe this hike was a little more than we could handle. Nearly 35 minutes into our journey we saw something that looked very intimidating (at this point, we were both red-faced and sweating ourselves). We looked straight up to see 100 vertical steps (trust me, words cannot express the sight). We were seriously considering turning back, but realized that we were almost there. There is a famous saying that sums up our feelings at this point: “It was easier to stare up the steps than it was to step up the stairs.”

I am sure that within each of our lives, we sometimes face stairs of worry, sickness, pain and hopelessness. At face value, they may bring intense intimidation and fear which can psyche us out, but we need not be afraid of walking them. God's Word tells us that we have a Friend who sticks closer than a brother. The Lord is with us as we take each and every step of our lives. Granted, there may be times when we question if he is actually there with us, but he remains faithful and true.

Thankfully, Lesley and I did make it to the top of the mountain and, believe me, it was well worth the sacrifice and effort. The view was absolutely breath-taking. No matter what stairs you face today, take them one step at a time and trust that your Heavenly Father is with you. While the climbing is sometimes intense and intimidating, it will be worth it all in the end. There is an amazing view awaiting you as well!

Captain Kristian Simms is the corps officer of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. His pursuit in life is to live every day to the fullest for Christ. He has a strong passion and love for youth ministry and cheers for the greatest hockey team of all time: The Montreal Canadians. He has been married for eight years to Lesley, the best lady in the world. He also has a really cute dog named Mickey.